ORTHOKERATOLOGY AND MYOPIA CONTROL
MYOPIA
MYOPIA
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error causing distant objects to appear blurry while near objects are clear. The prevalence of myopia is on the rise and it’s becoming a major public health concern. Here are some statistics:
- Global prevalence of 30-40%. This number is expected to rise to nearly 50% by 2050.
- Myopia rates are higher in East Asia
- The number of individuals with high myopia (a refractive error greater than -6 diopters) is increasing. These individuals are at a greater risk for retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
The onset of myopia typically starts between the ages of 6-14 and continues to progress. It is estimated that about 30% of children in the US between the ages of 12-17 have myopia. The two main contributors to myopia are genetics and environmental factors. A family history of both parents being myopic significantly increases their child’s risk of developing myopia. Increased digital screen time and lack of outdoor activity are also key factors.
Studies show that the axial length, the distance from the front of the cornea to the back of the eye, is an important contributor to our refractive status. Myopia tends to occur in people with longer axial lengths. A major cause for axial length growth is when light focuses behind the peripheral retina, a signal is sent for the eye to elongate. As the eye grows, myopia increases. Regular glasses and contact lenses do not help with the peripheral defocus that triggers eye growth. These alarming trends have led to an immense amount of research into myopia control and finding treatments aimed at slowing the progression of myopia. The current gold-standard treatment for myopia control is orthokeratology.
ORTHOKERATOLOGY
ORTHOKERATOLOGY
Orthokeratology is a retainer contact lens worn overnight that is FDA approved for myopia control. It is very similar to how braces work on teeth. Ortho-k essentially helps to “straighten” the eyes to effectively slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children. Ortho-k works by temporarily reshaping the cornea and flattening the center curvature. This allows for the light rays to focus on or in front of the peripheral retina, reducing the signal for eye growth. While the goal of ortho-k is to slow down the progression of myopia, it also provides the user with clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contacts. This is why we also fit adults with orthokeratology as a non-surgical LASIK alternative.
Our doctors are highly trained and experienced with myopia control and orthokeratology. We utilize the latest state-of-the-art equipment to design custom ortho-k lenses. If your child is experiencing worsening myopia or you are looking for a non-surgical vision correction alternative, book a consultation at Eye Theory with one of our myopia control specialists.
MIDTOWN
3510 Main St Ste F
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.831.7386
WEST UNIVERSITY
4191 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77025
Phone: 346.326.2936
MISIGHT
COOPERVISION MISIGHT
MiSight are soft contact lenses designed for myopia control. They are FDA approved to slow the progression of myopia in children ages 8-12 at the initiation of treatment. It works by having a dual focus design with two treatment zones that focus the light on or in front of the peripheral retina to reduce eye growth. The center of the lens allows for clear vision, while the outer concentric rings provide myopia control.
MIDTOWN
3510 Main St Ste F
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.831.7386
WEST UNIVERSITY
4191 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77025
Phone: 346.326.2936
STONE OAK
115 N Loop 1604 E, STE 1103
San Antonio, TX 78232
Phone: 210.635.0050
ATROPINE THERAPY
ATROPINE THERAPY
Research shows that low dose atropine drops can slow myopia progression. The lower concentration has minimal effects on pupil size, accommodation and near vision. Unlike Ortho-K and MiSight lenses, this treatment option does not change the focus of the peripheral light rays. Instead, it works by inhibiting the receptors responsible for eye strain, which helps slow eye elongation.
WEST UNIVERSITY
4191 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77025
Phone: 346.326.2936
MYOPIA
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error causing distant objects to appear blurry while near objects are clear. The prevalence of myopia is on the rise and it’s becoming a major public health concern. Here are some statistics:
- Global prevalence of 30-40%. This number is expected to rise to nearly 50% by 2050.
- Myopia rates are higher in East Asia
- The number of individuals with high myopia (a refractive error greater than -6 diopters) is increasing. These individuals are at a greater risk for retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
The onset of myopia typically starts between the ages of 6-14 and continues to progress. It is estimated that about 30% of children in the US between the ages of 12-17 have myopia. The two main contributors to myopia are genetics and environmental factors. A family history of both parents being myopic significantly increases their child’s risk of developing myopia. Increased digital screen time and lack of outdoor activity are also key factors.
Studies show that the axial length, the distance from the front of the cornea to the back of the eye, is an important contributor to our refractive status. Myopia tends to occur in people with longer axial lengths. A major cause for axial length growth is when light focuses behind the peripheral retina, a signal is sent for the eye to elongate. As the eye grows, myopia increases. Regular glasses and contact lenses do not help with the peripheral defocus that triggers eye growth. These alarming trends have led to an immense amount of research into myopia control and finding treatments aimed at slowing the progression of myopia. The current gold-standard treatment for myopia control is orthokeratology.
ORTHOKERATOLOGY
Orthokeratology is a retainer contact lens worn overnight that is FDA approved for myopia control. It is very similar to how braces work on teeth. Ortho-k essentially helps to “straighten” the eyes to effectively slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children. Ortho-k works by temporarily reshaping the cornea and flattening the center curvature. This allows for the light rays to focus on or in front of the peripheral retina, reducing the signal for eye growth. While the goal of ortho-k is to slow down the progression of myopia, it also provides the user with clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contacts. This is why we also fit adults with orthokeratology as a non-surgical LASIK alternative.
Our doctors are highly trained and experienced with myopia control and orthokeratology. We utilize the latest state-of-the-art equipment to design custom ortho-k lenses. If your child is experiencing worsening myopia or you are looking for a non-surgical vision correction alternative, book a consultation at Eye Theory with one of our myopia control specialists.
MIDTOWN
3510 Main St Ste F
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.831.7386
WEST UNIVERSITY
4191 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77025
Phone: 346.326.2936
COOPERVISION MISIGHT
MiSight are soft contact lenses designed for myopia control. They are FDA approved to slow the progression of myopia in children ages 8-12 at the initiation of treatment. It works by having a dual focus design with two treatment zones that focus the light on or in front of the peripheral retina to reduce eye growth. The center of the lens allows for clear vision, while the outer concentric rings provide myopia control.
MIDTOWN
3510 Main St Ste F
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.831.7386
WEST UNIVERSITY
4191 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77025
Phone: 346.326.2936
STONE OAK
115 N Loop 1604 E, STE 1103
San Antonio, TX 78232
Phone: 210.635.0050
ATROPINE THERAPY
Research shows that low dose atropine drops can slow myopia progression. The lower concentration has minimal effects on pupil size, accommodation and near vision. Unlike Ortho-K and MiSight lenses, this treatment option does not change the focus of the peripheral light rays. Instead, it works by inhibiting the receptors responsible for eye strain, which helps slow eye elongation.
WEST UNIVERSITY
4191 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77025
Phone: 346.326.2936
SEE GREAT
Glasses and Contacts
We understand everybody is different. Our doctors make recommendations based off your lifestyle needs to help you achieve your maximum visual potential.
FEEL GREAT
Infection · Trauma · Loss of vision
CO-MANAGEMENT
LASIK and Cataract
